DFFE: Sardine deaths easing but virus probe and catch limit remain in force

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) says reports of dead sardines have eased but testing and restrictions remain in place as authorities investigate a suspected pilchard herpesvirus outbreak.

What the DFFE reported

The DFFE said that no new dead sardines had been reported since 10 September 2026, and that the last isolated wash-up occurred near Mbotji on the northern Wild Coast. The department said surveillance arrangements remain active and that “the absence of further reports indicates that the acute phase of the mortality event has subsided.”

The department added a note of caution: “It remains too soon to conclude that the event is over.” It asked coastal authorities, fishers and members of the public to report any new cases promptly.

Investigation into causes

Scientists are testing samples taken before and during the die-off, including samples from commercial sardine catches. According to the DFFE, “Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) remains the strongest biological factor associated with the event.”

The department said the work aims to explain the cause, spread and source of the virus and to look at whether ocean conditions played a part. It stated that “No conclusion has yet been reached regarding when or how the virus began circulating in South African sardines.”

Fishing restrictions and next steps

The DFFE confirmed that the temporary precautionary catch limitation introduced on 11 September 2026 remains in force until 2 October 2026. The Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group is due to meet on 29 September 2026 to review mortality reports, lab results and catch data, and to advise on the sardine fishery once the limit ends.

The department said decisions would be shared after the review process and noted that the High-Level PHV Task Team is overseeing the response plan. A planned end-of-year hydroacoustic survey will provide the first estimate of sardine biomass and distribution following the mortality event.

Are sardines safe to eat?

The DFFE addressed public health concerns directly: “PHV is a fish virus and is not known to infect people.” The department said that commercially produced sardine products released through regulated channels remain safe.

It gave clear guidance to beachgoers:

“Members of the public should nevertheless not collect or consume dead sardines found on beaches, feed them to animals, or use them as bait.”

Ongoing monitoring

Surveillance and laboratory testing continue while authorities monitor any further wash-ups and assess survey and catch data to inform future measures.